The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Monday lost 1-2 to the Rwandan national team in the final match of the Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifiers played at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium Uyo, the capital Akwa Ibom State.
The Super Eagles team, which has already qualified for the AFCON with 11 points had to rest many of its star players for the match and fielded some of the players on the substitute list to execute the match.
However, Samuel Chukwueze gave the Super Eagles the lead in the 58th minute of the match when he dribbled his way into the opponent’s 18-yard box and released a powerful shot that beat the Rwandan goalkeeper.
But Rwandan player, Aimable Mutinzi, got the equalizer for his team in the 71st minute of the match to bring the score line to 1-1.
Another Rwandan player Imanishimwe Nshuti scored the second goal for the visitors in less than 6 minutes of the team’s equalizer to bring the score line to 2-1.
The introduction of the Super Eagles star players could not change the score line and the Super Eagles had to accept its first defeat all though the qualification series.
Despite the victory by Rwanda, the team finished 3rd in Group D with 8 points behind Benin Republic, which finished with 8 points but with a better goal difference.
GIK/APA